Business and Educational Services in Technology David Best: An Accessibility IT Specialist helping organizations to increase employee productivity and market growth.

University Of Guelph Accessibility Conference 2015 Choosing Bridges over Barriers - Integrating Inclusion into All that We Do Choosing Bridges over Barriers - Integrating Inclusion into All that We Do

Session Content Session duration: 45 minutes Introductions: Presenters and Participants Purpose: To engage and inspire collaboration Trends: Historical view of people and technology BlindSquare: The power of digital information iBeacons: Independent navigation indoors and out Resources: Additional information for active participation

Introductions Presenters: Connecting people and technologies Innovators: Expanding the horizon for greater opportunities Educators: Enhancing the power of knowledge for greater self confidence O&M instructors: Opening doors for greater independence Advocates: Promoting abilities and talents for greater inclusion Persons with vision loss: Decision making for more productive lives

Purpose Innovation and collaboration is the intersection of progress driven by creativity and engagement: Advocacy and education Freedom in independence Power of realtime information Inspire and motivate Collaborating partners

Trends We are moving toward a global digital economy by seamlessly integrating machines and people: Machines connected together through a network, provide big data analytics and artificial intelligence, for economic growth. People connecting together through a vast network, are closing the gap in cultural differences and levels of education for a more inclusive society.

Social Change DecadePeople: Attitude barriersTechnology: Systemic barriers 1960’sAcademic intelligence (IQ)Stand alone analog devices 1970’sEmotional intelligence (EQ)Primitive digital devices 1980’sSocial intelligence (SQ)Text based communications 1990’sPolitical intelligence (PQ)Graphical based communications 2000’sCultural intelligence (CQ)Cloud based wireless communications 2010’sDigital intelligence (DQ)Miniaturization based haptec communications

BlindSquare GPS Four Ways Location data model: Translating signals into value. Gathering asset intelligence. Well designed geo-intelligent applications. Using place-based thinking to redefine public services. BlindSquare Innovation and Collaboration: Developed and tested with blind users. Uses latest smart phone features. Pioneering haptec user interfaces. Interacts with other GPS apps. Interacts with travel services. Incorporates iBeacon technology guidance. Tool for orientation and mobility instruction.

iBeacons Indoor Navigation Guidance: Basic Beacon - This beacon type can be used for static and moving targets. Beacon Pairs - Positioned in two parallel lines to guide users in open areas. Beacon Trails - Forms trails to a specific destination like signposts for sighted people. Projects: Customized Location Information Service (CLIS). Orientation and Mobility BlindSquare.

Resources Business and Educational Services in Technology BlindSquare, The World Leading Accessible GPS App U-R-Able, Accelerating Independence For People Living With Visual Impairments The Orientation and Mobility BlindSquare Project More resources